KOTA KINABALU: A delegation of French travel agents has expressed strong interest in Sabah as a cultural and eco-tourism destination following a three-day familiarisation trip to Kota Kinabalu.
Their visit featured jungle trekking on Gaya Island, a sunset cruise, traditional performances, and a tour of Mari Mari Cultural Village, which many described as enriching and memorable.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, said the positive feedback reaffirmed Sabah’s potential to attract more European travellers, especially those seeking nature and cultural immersion.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who hosted the group, noted a 27 per cent increase in French arrivals between January and April this year and highlighted Sabah’s emphasis on safety and visitor experience.
He also encouraged the agents to explore the upcoming Sail Malaysia Borneo rally, which will welcome over 30 yachts from 15 countries between July and September, showcasing Sabah’s coastal charm.
